Despite not breaking back into the Mamelodi Sundowns first team since
returning from the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, young winger Siyabonga Mabena is
patiently working his way up.
The 18-year-old had a promising start to the season, making six appearances
and scoring one goal under coach Miguel Cardoso after recovering from a
long-term injury. His early form earned him a call-up to represent South
Africa’s Amajita at the World Cup in Chile.
Since coming back, however, Mabena has been featuring for the club’s DStv
Diski Challenge side. This strategic move is seen as part of his
reintegration, allowing him to build match fitness and simultaneously focus
on his schooling.
Sources indicate that Mabena remains very much in Cardoso’s long-term plans
and is expected to get more opportunities. The current period in the reserve
team is designed to prepare him for a likely return to the first-team
matchday squad in the second half of the season.
